STATEHOUSE (Dec. 9, 2025) – Easterseals Evansville announced yesterday that Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) has been selected as its legislator of the year. The award is in recognition for his leadership and hard work on the last state budget and his history of passionate advocacy for populations with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“I’m incredibly honored to be named legislator of the year by Easterseals Evansville, an organization that does such meaningful work for Hoosiers with disabilities,” O’Brien said. “Strong Medicaid services are essential to helping individuals receive the care and support they need, and I remain committed to strengthening those resources. I’m grateful for this recognition and will continue supporting policies that expand access and opportunity for more Hoosiers.”
Kelly Schneider, CEO of Easterseals Evansville said that during the 2025 session, legislators were tasked to craft a biennium budget with revenue forecasts demonstrating a $2.4 billion shortfall. Schneider said that despite this, Rep. O’Brien listened actively to Easterseals’ concerns about Medicaid cuts and rate changes.
“In the end, Rep. O’Brien and the state passed a budget that did NOT cut rates or the state’s Medicaid budget. His work on the budget is the latest in a public service career dedicated to welfare of vulnerable populations. We thank Rep. O’Brien for always listening to our concerns and fighting to protect our clients,” Schneider said. “Rep. O’Brien has visited our facility in Evansville many times and has interacted with clients and staff members who greatly appreciate his time and thoughtfulness. Our community is better and stronger because of Rep. O’Brien’s service in the Indiana General Assembly.”
O’Brien said he will continue to fight for people living with disabilities and strengthen their communities.
